Ukraine 2 – 1 Sweden

Man of the Match: Andriy Shevchenko. The people’s champion. His selection was considered by some to be one of nostalgia. Yet the 35-year-old striker proved his doubters wrong, in particular after a first half in which he looked well off the pace. Both his goals came via his head, following smart off-the-ball movement. His substitution on 82 minutes was met by heartening applause.

Ukraine verdict: Spurred on by their home fans, the co-hosts demonstrated admirable steel to turn matters around. Shevchenko will grab the headlines, but there were other positives to take, as Andriy Voronin put in an almighty shift and Yevhen Konoplyanka twinkled on the left flank. The city of Kiev will be one of much celebration on this Monday evening.

Sweden verdict: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have convinced some more of his baffling doubters, as the AC Milan forward oozed class for much of the game. He opened the scoring via a deft finish and continued to create opportunities. Alas, the issue appears to be that Ibrahimovic is a cut above his team-mates, who failed to match their talisman’s quality.

Could do better: Johan Elmander. Harsh, but fair. Thrown on in the 71st minute after just about recovering in time from a foot injury, Elmander was presented with a gilt-edged chance to clinch Sweden a draw in the dying moments following a gorgeous flick by Ibrahimovic. Yet the former Bolton striker blazed over.

Stat attack: Andriy Shevchenko’s last brace in a competitive game for Ukraine came in November 2004 versus Turkey.